KABUL (Reuters) – Eight U.S. soldiers have been charged in connection with the October death of Private Danny Chen, who was found in a guard tower in southern Afghanistan after apparently shooting himself, NATO-led forces in Afghanistan said on Wednesday.

Chen’s platoon leader, 1st Lieutenant Daniel Schwartz, is among the accused, charged with dereliction of duty. Five other soldiers face charges including involuntary manslaughter, assault and negligent homicide.

Dec 13, 2011

Nearly two weeks after her pardon, Gulnaz is still in jail. Karzai and AG’s office declined comment on why http://t.co/GqPMcsf2

KABUL (Reuters) – A controversial scheme that pays and arms Afghans to defend their villages in areas with a strong insurgent presence is likely to be expanded and extended, a senior officer from the NATO-led coalition fighting in Afghanistan has said.

The Afghan Local Police (ALP) were a flagship project of General David Petraeus, who stepped down as commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan earlier this year, but have been criticized by human rights groups.

Karzai says death toll from Tuesday’s attacks at Ashura ceremonies was 80, significantly higher than original estimates of around 60

About Emma

"I moved to Afghanistan in late 2010 after nearly six years reporting from China, initially covering energy issues and more recently writing about political and general news. I have also worked in Spain and Britain."